Preview: Quakes vs. RSL, Sunday at 7 p.m. PT

Sunday's match will be broadcast live on CSN California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF

March 2, 2013

Jason Harrel

SJEarthquakes.com

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes kick off their 16th Major League Soccer season on Sunday, March 3, against Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium (7 p.m. PT. / CSN California / 1590 KLIV, 1370 KZSF)

For the third time in four years, San Jose will open their season against Real Salt Lake at Buck Shaw Stadium. In 2011, the Quakes fell 1-0, thanks to a 2nd half Kyle Beckerman goal. Javier Morales led the way in Real Salt Lake’s 3-0 victory in 2010 with a long-range shot for one of his two goals that evening.

In 2012, the Earthquakes were able to snap their home opener blues with a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution. The victory came at the hands of Chris Wondolowski's first of 27 goals in his magical 2012 season.

If the Quakes find a way to win on Sunday, they will earn three points in back-to-back home season openers for the first time since 1996-97 when they handed D.C. United and New York 1-0 losses.

San Jose played some of their best games against Real Salt Lake in 2012, outscoring their opponent 10-2 over three games. Wondolowski led the way with five goals, including a July hat trick.

The Quakes enter 2013, looking to build off their 2012 season having led the league in goals (72), assists (73) and shots on goal (192). Among the fresh faces hoping to see the field on Sunday are offseason acquisitions Nana Attakora, Ty Harden, Dan Gargan and Mike Fucito. The club also has a few rookies in the mix, including recently-inked Tommy Muller, Adam Jahn and Peter McGlynn.

San Jose leads in the all-time series against Real Salt Lake 6-5-5 and lead 4-3-1 at home. The three-game sweep last season marked the longest streak that the Earthquakes have had against Real Salt Lake. Wondolowski leads the Earthquakes with five goals against Real Salt Lake, while Javier Morales has five goals against the Earthquakes to lead RSL.

Stay tuned for matchday coverage on www.sjearthquakes.com and be sure to follow the club on Twitter @sjearthquakes for all the latest news and information about the team ahead of Sunday’s season opener at Buck Shaw Stadium.

How To Follow The Match on Sunday:

Kickoff: 7 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

TV: CSNCA

English Radio: 1590 KLIV

Spanish Radio: 1370 KZSF

Twitter: @sjearthquakes and @quakesmatchday – for news and game day information.